We often hear or speak of the American Experiment. What do we mean by that? For me, on a high level, it means that our country was founded on a combination of values, beliefs, and principles that are unique and were untested. Like any experiment it means that a plan and strategy was developed and needed to be followed; that the inputs and variables were carefully considered and scrutinized; that outside influences were strictly controlled; and that a desired result was potentially forthcoming, but not guaranteed. People came here, and continue to come, because of this great experiment that seeks to keep them free from oppression and tyranny.
Untold pages have been written about the formation of the laboratory where our great experiment unfolds; and the purpose, scope, assumptions, and initial conditions are well documented. America’s founding documents are extensive, but none are more important than the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. These three documents; collectively known as the Charters of Freedom, are the foundation upon which the laboratory sits. Familiar excerpts from these documents include:
Declaration of Independence
“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. ,…,
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
The US Constitution
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”,…,
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”,…,
I appeal to you to take the time to read these documents in their entirety and in so doing to come to appreciate the overwhelming significance of their truth and wisdom. And it is my hope that you don’t stop there! There are many documents underlying the Charters of Freedom that provide insights into the genesis, significance, and magnificence of the American Experiment. I offer the following as a mere “tip of the iceberg” list of documents to further your understanding and appreciation of America’s founding:
- The Magna Carta, 1215
- The Mayflower Compact, 1620
- Petition of Right, 1628
- Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, 1639
- The English Bill of Rights, 1689
- A Letter Concerning Toleration (John Locke), 1689
- Second Treatise of Government (John Locke), 1689
- The Albany Plan of Union (Benjamin Franklin), 1755
- Plan of Confederation (Benjamin Franklin), 1775
- Common Sense (Thomas Paine), 1776
- Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, 1777
- Northwest Ordinance, 1787
- Virginia Plan (James Madison), 1787
- New Jersey Plan (William Paterson), 1787
- The Constitutional Convention, The Great Compromise, 1787
- The Federalist Papers (Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay), 1787/1788
- The 1776 Report (of the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission), 2021
The founders of our nation put forth great effort and sacrificed much in terms of blood and treasure to create and secure a place where people could live in freedom and not have to fear their leaders or their government. I hope someday you will listen and seek the truth, and let your voice be heard.